And a new one from Michael Stevens, The Making of Pioneer Wisconsin, is also just out. The book features a dreamy image from the original
mural of the centennial celebration of Wisconsin's statehood for a cover.
Pioneer Wisconsin is the story of Wisconsin settlers in three sections told
through letters, biographical material and a few photographs and other art.
Stevens includes a prologue analyzing cultures in conflict as the European
settlers encroached upon traditionally native tribal people's lands in the
territory.
The main text is divided into
three sections, Journeying West, Being in Wisconsin, and the aftereffects of
immigration, or "I prefer America." Stevens chose letters from
settlers representing the four main quadrants of Wisconsin; people who came by
all means possible in the first half of the nineteenth century. Photographs,
woodcuts and other artwork from the society's collection help to illustrate the
text and letters which are retyped, not reproduced.
One early informative missive
is from the first attorney to practice in Waukesha who removed his family from
Vermont in 1838. His letters are almost as a diary of the journey to their new
home, partly by steamship along the Great Lakes.
Many of the letters are lengthy, full of angst, triumph, despair
and instructions. Descriptions often compare the climate in Wisconsin to the
home country, whether it's the eastern US or overseas.
Brief biographies of the letter writers are included. For example,
the Reverend Jeremiah Porter was a missionary evangelist, eventually landing in
Green Bay in the mid-nineteenth century with a goal of promoting the temperance
movement. His letter to a colleague which includes some of his reasons for his
passionate attempt to ban alcohol sales is poignant.
The Making of Pioneer
Wisconsin: Voices of Early Settlers is a nice addition to other pioneer collections in local
histories. Reading about life from the people in their own words is a moving
experience. Recommended for those who like immigration and settlement stories.
It is not a long book at 162 pages and nicely laid out. End notes which
contains references and an index included.
Other books I've viewed and reviewed this year include:
Twice The Dream is an inspiring family drama about two sisters following their musical dreams together. Just as the sisters begin to discover their wings and take flight, a sudden family tragedy strikes. In the aftermath of tragedy, they discover that their dreams were the only thing that held the family together.
1. How
was it to write and direct your first feature film, Twice the Dream?
A: It sincerely was
a dream come true, in every sense. The cast and crew were
all so incredible and really put on their "A" game. At the end, we
all felt like family! Some of us of course, literally being family. ;P Haha and
by that I mean, my husband was one of the producers, and was also the director
of photography. My mom is amazing at art and making props, so she was in charge
of the art and prop department. A lot of my lifelong friends helped as well,
and my brother. So it truly was a dream come true making the movie I
love, with the people I love. It was nothing short of magic!
2. What were some high
points during the creative process?
A: There were so many
high points, everything from writing the screenplay, to setting up that perfect
shot. When writing the script, there seemed to be something so special about
being so into the story, and so sucked into that world. But,
as soon as we got on set, it was incredible to see those characters and scenes
come to life. I would say that was a high point- seeing these characters come
to life, living, breathing, and interact with each other. It was really fun
working with the actors as well, and collaborating with them. The cast truly
understood their characters- just as much as I do. Sometimes, maybe even more.
A few of the actors would come to me with some ideas, or thoughts on scenes,
and their character's journey, and sometimes would suggest certain lines of
dialogue. 9 times out of 10, we were always on the same page, and I
let them go for it. It was soooo cool seeing this!
3. What was your
favorite scene on set?
A: Every scene! Haha jk.
Although I did enjoy filming every scene on set, the concert scenes were the
most fun to film. Everyone was dancing, laughing, singing along. Those were my
favorite scenes to film... and we had three concert scenes! :)
4. Any learning moments you
want to share?
A: Making this film has
been a long journey, and throughout that journey, I have learned so much.
Ultimately, I think that one of the most important things that I have
learned would have to be to just trust myself and the stories
that you want to tell. Along the way, a lot of people will try to discourage
you- and that's just life. Just because someone else doesn't particularly get your
vision, doesn't mean that it's not good. If you have a story that you want to
tell, then you need to tell it. Don't let anyone else tell you
otherwise.
5. What inspired you to
tell this story?
A: Growing up, I
realized that there weren't a lot of inspiring, feel-good coming of age movies.
Movies that I really wanted to see at that age, stories that I could relate to.
It was always such an underserved market. (For the record, these types of moves
aren't only limited to that age group, because I still want to see these kind
of movies. They are for the young at heart.
So, at the tender age of
14, I started writing my story, "Twice The Dream." Something about this particular story had set my soul on fire. The characters
had absolutely consumed me, but in the best possible way. I knew it was my
mission to get this story told through film. I could hardly think of anything
else!
6. How is it being a
female in the film business?
A: Being a female in the
film industry is definitely tough. At times, it really seems that all of
the "suits" in Hollywood making the decisions are men. I sat in many
meetings like that. They would be interested in my story, but they would insist
on making certain changes- changes that would change the very heart of the
story. Although these offers were sometimes tempting, I would resist, remaining
stubborn. I've even been called a "B" word because of this. But you
know what? I think it's necessary. As women in this industry, we have to stick
up for ourselves. Luckily, I think this is changing. Slowly, but at least we
are getting somewhere. People are starting to realize that half of the population are women.
And as such, I think it's safe to say that we know what a large portion of the
population can relate to in film. Together, we are changing
this.
7. What advice would you
give to aspiring filmmakers?
A: My number one piece of
advice is to stick to the story that you want to tell. Don't
let any "suit", or colleague, teacher, or even a family member try to
convince you otherwise. You're set on the story you want to tell? Great! That's
the one you need to go with. Because as we all know, making a movie is hard
work. So you have to love your story so much, that you would
be willing to go on this journey with it. And another thing... never give
up.
8. Do you think your
experience as an actress helped in directing other actors? Why?
A: I absolutely think it
helped. Truthfully, I believe my experiences as an actress have helped me as a
writer as well. Since I'm familiar with the actors process, and the way actors
think, I found it fairly easy to convey direction to the cast. And they always
took that direction so well, and would totally understand where I was coming
from. We were always on the same page!
9. How did you finally get to make your movie?
A: I know the reason that I was able to achieve this dream is because I have been so fortunate to have such amazing support from my family and friends. They always have kept me going, and amazingly enough, they were the same people that saw my dream to the very end.
10. What is your next
step with Twice the Dream?
A: We are knee deep in
post production right now, finalizing the sound mix, original score, color
grading, etc. It's been a fun but long process in itself, but I feel like I've
learned a lot. We are currently exploring different distribution options.
Looking for the right partner! Our goal is to release it theatrically first.
(Even if it's a limited release) Following our theatrical run, we plan to
release it on various VOD platforms such as Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
11. Do you have any
other projects on the horizon?
A: Oh, most definitely.
Since I'm crazy, I'm currently writing two different scripts- both
female driven like Twice The Dream, but very different genres.
One is a thriller and the other is a fantasy. I also am still working on my YA
fantasy novel series and re-launching that.
Dreams are important, but I know it's hard.
There are days, sometimes months when you feel like your dream might
be impossible. At times, it can feel like the whole world is against
you. During the pursuit of my dream, there were times when
it felt like I was going nowhere. Sometimes, it was very painful. Blood, sweat,
tears, and many other losses went into this pursuit. I would then ask myself,
"Is this pain really worth it?"There were
many times when I felt like I had absolutely hit rock bottom, and
that my dream may never come true.BUT.... Yes, that's a
"but." Here is the important part:I refused to give up. No
matter how long it took, or how hard it was. This dream was too
important to me. And I remembered why I had been holding on for so long.Moral
of the story is: NEVER, EVER, EVER GIVE UP. Period. Dreams come true,
even if it takes over a decade.
What happens when a New York
stockbroker crashes his car into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop …
on the same day the young widow’s defective hair products are causing wild
hairdos? Soon, Eve finds herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves
who stole his client’s cash...and hot on the trail of two of the FBI’s
most-wanted criminals!
Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back
the money.
My review:
Meet Triville, North Carolina.
Triville is a fabulous place to
drive through on a spring day. Gorgeous mountain vistas, a fun downtown, sweet
restaurants, and a great beauty shop should you feel a need for a quick clip or
curl. Eve has loads of experience, and thank goodness, lots of friends who are
willing to come back after accidental bubbles and perms make haywire on the
heads of her clients.
When a big city businessman careens
into Eve’s life, her life is upended further. What’s not to love about a guy
who gets on his hands and knees to mop a ton of bubbles for a stranger?
Fall under the enchanted spell of
Triville and town that brings sweet magic to its residents and visitors alike.
If you like Mitford, you’ll get a huge kick out of Triville! Eve is an
inspiration as she works out her challenges and disappointments while wondering
if widowhood should be a “permanent” condition, or it a little adventure might
get her out of her routine.
About the Author:
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s
a wife, mom, swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and
getting together with friends and family. A former regional writer of the year
for American Christian Writers Association, she's a Grace Awards Finalist and a
2017 Reader's Favorite Book Awards recipient. She's published several books,
poems, short stories and two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in
anthologies while two are in museums. Visit Gail’s website at gailpallotta.com
“When
you pretend to be something you’re not, it always finds you out.”
“Don’t ever be ashamed of who you are. Don’t ever, for anyone, hide your
true self. Know your true self,
and shine like God made you to be.”
Today, I’m celebrating my debut
novel’s fourth birthday. A brief word of explanation— Tessa, has a double
birthday; at the prompting and with the help of a friend, I first released her
in early March 2014, but for Kindle only. I quickly learned the value of having
print copies, and with the help of that same friend (who did all the formatting
for me) I released and had all the celebration in October.
Tessa’s official book birthday is
31 October, which is fitting for the story—she assumed an identity not her own,
thus “wearing a mask.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
One mother.Two daughters.One favorite.One not.
When Cassie Barclay is presented
with an opportunity – or is it a curse – she jumps at the chance.She takes on a new life, her sister’s life,
and although at first, it holds appeal and promise, she soon realizes sometimes
the fairy tale is tainted.
Assuming the name of Tessa, Cassie
moves into the life that was her sister’s, and faces first one realization then
another, one disappointment after another. Stepping into Connie’s life does not
automatically grant her all that Connie had or was. But it does deny all that
she had and was as Cassie. As herself.
Just when she believes her life is
on an even keel, something comes along to ripple the waters and remind her of
her secret. Until the day she gets a phone call that rips her world apart. Who
is the mysterious caller? And who knows her secret?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
“I’ve always had voices—er, stories
in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write
them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!” Ms. Mason has seven novels, Tessa, Clara Bess, and Cissy, in
the unsavory heritage series, and The
Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting
Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of
Winter, and The Whispering Winds of
Spring in her Seasons series. All of Ms. Mason’s books are available on
Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. She also has several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowers, as well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also
in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. She is working on a on One for the Price of Two, the first
story in her new series, FourSquare, to release next year.
‘Dat first cover’ was my uneducated and oblivious
attempt at cover design. The second try
captured the essence I wanted, but didn’t convey well to the second and third
books in the series. Number three was professionally done, but as lovely as it
is, I still didn’t love it. I took the design back into my hands last year with
the fourth cover, but it was missing something. Now, for Tessa’s birthday, she
has a stunning new look!
Isn’t she gorgeous!!
🎉 GIVEAWAY*🎉
Birthday Blitz Bash for Robin E. Mason’s debut
novel, #Tessa is under way, starting with this Blog & Social Media
Blitz! Tessa is available on Amazon, both in print and Kindle format!
Purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IPZ5JEE/.
Bird’s Nest Books is celebrating Tessa’s fourth birthday
with a tour-wide #giveaway! Robin is gifting one reader a Prize Pack that
includes:
A signed print copy of Tessa
3 oz packette of Tessa’s Tea
unsavory heritage mug
necklace with paint palette pendant
unsavory heritage bookmark
three (3) framed mini art prints
BONUSBOOKS from Heather Gilbert, Lisa Lickel, and
Linda Rodante
*Giveaway is sponsored by Bird’s Nest Books, and is not affiliated by any social media venues. Open to US residents only. Through November 7, 2018 #BirdsNestBooks #bookbirthday #Tessabookbirthday#unsavoryheritage #RobinEMason
“Maybe you have to know the
darkness to truly appreciate the light.”—Madeline L’Engle
Hair Calamities and Hot Cash has its roots in the Western
North Carolina Mountains. The elevation of the small town reaches nearly to the
tops of the peaks to allow for breathtaking, romantic views, but the characters
resemble the residents from my hometown at the foothills.
A Christian bond binds them whether they are acquaintances,
best friends, people who only tolerate one another or folks who keep their
distance. They squabble, and each of them likes some people better than others,
but they respect each other. When one of them faces a hardship, death, illness
or any other crisis, the rest of the residents reach out to one of their own.
In the blink of an eye they’re ready with open hands, outstretched arms and
casseroles.
It’s a quiet place with little to do, and everyone knows
everyone else’s business, so they gossip. No newspaper, and probably not the
internet, could keep up with their word-of-mouth broadcasts. When Philip Wells, a stockbroker from New
York, crashes his car into the young widow Eve Castleberry’s beauty shop, word
spreads like lightning. At the same time, everyone in town hears how Eve
suddenly created frizzy hairdos and dyed people’s hair red instead of blond. When
she and Philip start dating...Well, there is no end to it.
The two of them do manage to keep Philip’s robbery a secret
while they try to solve the crime. Of course, they don’t realize they’re
chasing two of the F.B.I.’s most-wanted. But I must stop adding to the gossip,
relax and enjoy the view.
About the Book:
“A comedic romp from small town to big city in search
of missing money, hair catastrophes, and love. A truly fun read”—Cynthia
Hickey, author of the Shady Acres Mystery series.
What happens when a New York stockbroker crashes his car
into Eve Castleberry’s North Carolina beauty shop...on the same day the young
widow’s defective hair products are causing wild hairdos? Soon Eve finds
herself helping the handsome stranger hunt the thieves who stole his client’s
cash...and hot on the trail of two of the F.B.I.’s most-wanted criminals!
Romance blossoms amid danger, suspense and Eve’s hair-brained plan to get back
the money.
About the Author:
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, mom,
swimmer and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with
friends and family. A former Grace Awards Finalist and a Reader’s Favorite 2017
Book Award winner, she’s published five books, poems, short stories and
two-hundred articles. Some of her articles appear in anthologies while two are
in museums. She loves to connect with readers.
What if the first man reborn of an
evolutionary leap doesn't like his new life? Is escape even possible? The time
is right for introducing the world to the marvels of techno-medical
advancements. An influential man, one loved and adored, is needed for the job,
and who better than celebrity Chase Sterling? After suffering injuries no one
could survive Chase is rebuilt like no one has ever seen before. In the
not-too-distant future a man—if he can still be called a man—breaks away from
the forces taking over his life and finds new purpose in the secret world of
hiding believers.
My Review
Let me begin by saying that I bought
the sequel when I finished reading this book. Although you can read Wake the
Dead as a complete story, be prepared to want to carry on. The book opened like
a terrible nightmare. I’m not a fan of reality shows, but I can’t ignore the
hype that surrounds them, and when it’s no longer a secret in the near future
that a quasi-government has taken control of life as we know it, I am draw
reluctantly but compellingly in. Scary.
A TV star and his brilliant but
cheeky assistant go too far while researching the next astounding giveaway for
a reality game show which promises to “Change Your Life.” In a new era when
expectations are lower than they’ve ever been, the only way ordinary citizens
can achieve is through a lottery of sorts, a game played with their lives, upon
which they must, in turn, serve Big Brother.
Chase, however, has a secret weapon
he’s not even aware of…until he dies in spectacular technicolor. A victim of
his own research into providing a profound medical breakthrough for his
contestants, he slowly wakes up to reality and the truth of his own world. He’s
given real choices for the first time in his life. His decision-making journey
is what creates the thrilling last quarter of the story of a dystopian society
crying for recognition. Chase has the power to truly help the world “Change” if
only he’ll risk enough.
Told through the eyes of the main
character, Wake the Dead is a novel well written and researched, and
frighteningly plausible.
About the Author
Victoria Buck is a native Floridian
running a small business with her husband, who teaches her everything she needs
to know about both melodrama and comic relief. Wake the Dead is her debut
novel. Killswitch is the follow-up to book one. Transfusion is the last book in
the trilogy about the world's first transhuman. Now, on to other stories! If
you like the futuristic stuff, there's a little steampunkish novelette called
Gears available on Kindle. Victoria is currently working on two present-day
novels. No transhumans or insurrections. Of course, there has to be a bit of a
weird twist!
Lily Masters is not getting involved with any fake job
scheme covering a sex trafficking operation supposedly cooked up by her
stepbrother, prison guard Art Townsend. Hoping to get help at a friend’s place
deep in the woods of northern Wisconsin before a blizzard, Lily loses her way.
At first, she doesn’t realize how fortunate she is to be found by Cam Taylor, a
poetry-spouting former lit professor. Cam has his own reasons to hide while
writing a biography of his Civil Rights activist grandparents and accidentally
stirs up a cold case murder involving a potential Supreme Court judge. When
trouble follows, either of them is the likely target.
Beneath every story is layer upon layer of trust and lies.
Who can they believe when things go from surreal to devastating?
Keywords: racism, prejudice, Wisconsin, suspense, sex
trafficking, prison life, dogs, blizzard, Civil Rights
Theme:
The underlying theme of UnderStory is prejudice—how we look and perceive others and
judge them and ourselves by the way they look, whether we can see the physical
or emotional scars. Lily Masters is born with a genetic condition, Poland’s
syndrome, which colors her world, makes her feel unloved and unwanted, and
although she’s learned to hide her condition and feelings, get a good job and
function in public, she can never again connect with someone who would learn
about her physical problem and reject her. When Lily is rescued by a biracial
Literature professor, Cam Taylor, who is dealing with prejudice on so many
levels, and they are stranded together, she begins to learn not to judge people
and situations by what others say or even by her own standards. Lily and Cam’s
journeys are about learning that shame is a reaction they choose based on
others’ perceptions and standards, not something they have to accept. Learning
to free herself from the bonds of self-loathing, Lily realizes how to be strong
and fight for her family and how to accept love as well as give it. Cam comes
to a peaceful place as he learns to see the world through what is, not through
what he anticipates.
Endorsements:
Lisa
Lickel weaves together a masterful tale of intrigue and romance, and the multilayers of complexity will leave the reader
turning the pages. The characters are well-developed, and overarching themes
involving racism and prejudice will resonate with the reader. The story takes
place in the Midwest—in a small town that harbors a big secret—perhaps more
common than anyone dares to imagine. UnderStoryis one of those rare books that’s not only a great
read but makes a statement about what’s most important—in the midst of
depravity, unfairness, and greed.
—Lorilyn
Roberts, award-winning author and founder of the John 3:16 Marketing Network
Drugs,
human trafficking, and corruption all play their part in Lisa Lickel’s
atmospheric thriller, UnderStory, but
it’s the characters and the love story you’ll remember most. In some ways, the
book reminded me of the movie Fargo—quirky
locals, investigators facing not only ruthless criminals but also a frozen
winter landscape of snow and ice in an isolated far north town. The blizzard is
the catalyst that brings together two emotionally damaged strangers when Cam
finds the mysterious Lily unconscious near his isolated cabin. When he brings
her inside, he becomes involved in both love and dangers he never expected when
he hid himself away in the woods.
—Robin
Johns Grant, author of Summer’s Winter.
Excerpt
Cam Taylor listened to ice crystals pinging his kitchen
window pane. Too cold to make decent snowflakes.
He’d let his dogs inside last night—early morning—when
they made a ruckus. After filling a water bowl and offering treats, he let them
stay near the woodstove. The mercury plunged way below the fat red zero on the
ancient Wisconsin Bank of the Great North Woods outdoor thermometer. It was really
cold out there in the driving blizzard…not counting wind chill.
He gulped the last of his coffee while he watched the two
animals pace between the kitchen stove
and the front door, restless. They were as mixed up a breed as he. Lear was
mostly retriever, the shelter said, and Iago, part Shepherd with the usual dark
markings, but shorthaired.
“So, you want to show me what you found? Hmm? Maybe some
deer hide we can salvage?” Fatally cold out there, yeah, but a brisk walk
through lashing snow might shake the vapors of the ghosts that clung after his
dreams.
While he dressed for outdoors, he continued to talk to
them. “Better be more exciting than a rabbit, guys.” The white stuff already
heaped six inches deep in places, and he couldn’t tell exactly where his
driveway started. The dogs shot out the door as soon as he opened it. Lear and
Iago howled and acted stupid, pouncing and prancing in the blowing fluff. Cam
lashed his snowshoes to his boots, grabbed his poles, and took off from the
porch steps after them. One deep breath sent him sputtering and rasping. He tied his scarf across his face and
muttered, “Twenty-four below, one gangsta ready to roll…”
Author Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin author who loves books, collects dragons, and writes inspiring fiction. She also writes short stories, feature articles, and radio theater, and loves to encourage new authors through mentoring, speaking, and leading workshops. Lisa is a member of Women Fiction Writers of America, the Council for Wisconsin Writers, the Chicago Writer’s Association, and vice president/instructor for Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc. She is an avid book reviewer and blogger, and a freelance editor. Find more at LisaLickel.com.
A couple of the new books from Wisconsin Historical Press that I've reviewed this year include
Somos Latinos: Voices of Wisconsin Latina Activists
